More initiation school deaths reported

Just 10 days into the initiation season and already five initiates have died in the Eastern Cape, the provincial Cogta spokesperson, Mamkeli Ngam has confirmed to POWER Breakfast.

He joined the breakfast team on air on Monday.

Ngam says parents have an important role to play in ensuring the safety of their children and not send them to illegal initiation schools.

“Parents must be at the forefront of these issues. Parents must work with the monitoring teams to ensure they enlist the support of experienced and recognised traditional surgeons and nurses to ensure their boys undergo the ritual safely.”

Ngam rubbished claims that the controversy around illegal initiation schools are shrouded in secrecy.

He insists those responsible are exposed and held to account by the law.

Police have already made several arrests in the fight against illegal initiation schools, Ngam adds.